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Thailand and Laos (and Myanmar if I can manage it)

Hello, Sawatdee kaa and Sabai dee,

My next trip will be Thailand and Laos, and this is all about the before, the trip and the after - similar to my Malaysia/Cambodia blog. I am putting together from start to finish - tickets, do's and don'ts, tours, where to stay, places to see, things to do, as well as useful extras like transport, good places to eat, what to wear, climate, tourist traps, tricks and tips and whatever else I can think of that will be useful.

If you have any tips or advice, please, feel free to leave a comment and add your bit - whatever you think may be helpful or interesting.Cheers.

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Playlist - My Travel Videos

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

First Stop the Hot Springs
Having booked a tour to the Golden Triangle with Ian and Tee, it was with excitement I boarded the early morning bus at 7.30. I had an aisle seat and my travelling companion next to me was a young chap from California. We left Chiang Mai shortly after and went along a very picturesque route through beautiful valleys and mountains to Thailand's northernmost province - Chiang Rai. We arrived at our first stop - Mae Kachan Natural Hot Springs. Our guide told us you can boil eggs in the springs and this was quite amusing. Just think - no paying for electricity or gas!

In the photo below is the "entrance gate" with rocks and urns placed stragically around.

Above:Mae Kachan Natural Hot Springs
The large rock in between the two posts is just the right shape and size for sitting on, although I wouldn't recommend it. Anybody for a hot shower?

Above:Shop, Sights, Souvenirs
There are a number of "tourist" stalls but I didn't buy any, I was too busy looking around trying to see as much as possible in the time allowed here. However, I did buy the most delicious tasting chicken I've ever tasted - it was a piece of chicken, quite yellowish and chopped every inch or so - it is served with a thin stick in a bag. In the top left photo is where I bought a cup of coffee, just before we left. Trying to sip hot liquid on a rapidly swaying, bus over bumpy roads is a feat in itself. I remember slurping and almost spilling it down my front. Like anything - it takes practise!

Above:The Hot Springs
The smell of sulphur wasn't very strong here.

Above:Boiling Eggs
The "Egg" spring - anyone want some boiled eggs?

Above:Gardens and Fish Spa
The locals believe the spring has healing powers - if you enlarge the photos you can see many people with the feet/legs dangling in the waters. The gardens were especially pretty and gave an aura of peacefulness. It really is a place where you could while away a couple of hours - even have a picnic lunch here.

All too soon it was time to leave and we were off - on our way to our next stop.